Effie Meehan

Not being able to speak the language in an English-speaking community is a challenge. But not being able to speak English and having a disability can make life even more difficult.

"I encourage people with a disability to speak up for themselves and empower themselves," Effie, 54, said. Volunteering and working out Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities and at the Migrant Resource Centre North West over the years, Effie advocates on behalf of migrants with a disability and helps community members become leaders and advocates. "I work in the community quite a bit because it is in my heart to help people," Effie said.

Working with migrants with a disability from different backgrounds, Effie organises groups to meet on a regular basis and discuss the issues that are important to them. She then advocates on their behalf for better participation opportunities and services to improve their health and well-being. "I sit on many committees and boards. Talking is good but we need more action," Effie said.

Effie is proudest of her work with Women's Health Service and encouraging migrant women with a disability to have pap smears. "It was an issue that was neglected. The project was great because we had more than 800 women over 10 years have a pap smear." The pap smear kit they put together proved life-saving for one woman in particular who found out she had cancer. "It was caught in the early stages, she survived and is now doing well," Effie said. "I want more people to do things from the heart rather than for payment."